Advantageous capital city Valletta offers many ways for relaxation. It is situated in the central-eastern portion of the main island of Malta. Valletta has appr.  6,400 residents being one of the smallest EU capitals. It has astonishing architectural remains from the Hospitalier times.

The Order of Saint John AKA The Hospitaliers gained Malta in 1530 from King Charles I of Spain. Back then, the only building on the site was a small watchtower dedicated to Erasmus of Formia (Saint Elmo), being built in 1488. In the Great Siege of 1565, Fort Saint Elmo of the Order fell to the Ottomans, but it eventually won the siege. The city of Valletta was mostly complete by the early 1570s, and it became the capital in 1571 when Grand Master moved from his seat at Fort St. Angelo in Birgu to the Grandmaster’s Palace. In 1798, the Order left the islands and the French occupation of Malta began. After the Maltese rebelled, French troops continued to occupy Valletta and the surrounding harbour area, until they capitulated to the British in September 1800. Throughout the Second World War Valletta was an important harbour of the Allied forces, and Italian and German airforces heavily bombarded the city and it saw much destruction.

What to do and see in Valletta

Grand Master’s Palace

The Grand Master’s Palace has been the power centre of Malta for centuries. The original palace, built in 1571, was the seat of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaliers of St John. During the British colonial period it served as the governor’s palace. Today it is home to the House of Representatives of Malta, the office of the President and a popular visiting sight. Notable must-sees are the Council Chamber as home to a rare collection of exotic gobelins depicting hunting scenes from different continents, The Palace Armoury and the Supreme Council Hall, with frescoes depicting the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. Opening hours

Upper Barrakka Gardens

This public garden is situated on the side its twin, Lower Gardens, on the hill nearby the city walls and offers a panorama over the Grand Harbour of Valletta and the old towns of Senglea and Birgu from its bordering terrace area. There are several statues, including one from Sir Winston Churchill and a sculpture called Les Gavroches (The street boys) by the Maltese sculptor Antonio Sciortino.  Idyllic sight for a trespasser looking for harmony of nature.

The National Museum of Fine Arts

The National Museum of Fine Arts is located at the lower end of South Street within an area including other gorgeous palaces dating from the Hospitaliers times.  The museum depicts the wide collection of Baroque art as well as the largest puclic collection of works by the Italian artist Mattia Preti.

St. James Cavalier

This 16th-century cavalier was built by the Order of St. John. It overlooks St. James’ Bastion, being of the part of the Land Front. Today the cavalier houses a cultural centre, activities ranging from contemporary plays performed at its intimate centre-stage theatre to contemporary art exhibitions and art-house screenings at the integrated cinema. Culture centre also has The Inspirations Cafe with a terrace.

St John’s Co-Cathedral

This beautiful Baroque cathedral was built by the Hospitaliers between 1573 and 1578, having been commissioned in 1572 by the Grand Master as the conventual church of the Order. It is an important part of the city’s Hospitalier architecture and one of the most delightful churches in the Mediterranean area.

The whole marble floor is an entire series of tombs, housing about 375 Knights and officers of the order. There is also a crypt containing the graves of many Grandmasters. There is also a shop in cathedral, selling literature, DVDs, postcards, souvenirs, posters, CDs of sacred music and maps.

Buy

• The main street of the city, Republic Street, has many decent stores and boutiques.
• Triq il-Merkanti Street has daily market selling cheap clothing.

Recreation

• Trabuxu (Strada Stretta) – This charming wine bar in an ancient cellar serves fine meals and romantic atmosphere.

Photos: With the CC licence / Dirk.heldmaier, Mstyslav Chernov, Afr66, les, Szilas, malta-172